Warsaw Man Sentenced After Reportedly Pointing Firearm
KOSCIUSKO — A Warsaw man was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 15, on on multiple charges related to several cases.
In the first case, James Paul Grothaus, 24, 2693 E. Steven Drive, Warsaw, pleaded guilty to possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor; and failure to appear, a level 6 felony. In the second case, he pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm, a level 6 felony; and dealing in methamphetamine, a level 5 felony. In the third case, he was found guilty of resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor. Pursuant to the plea agreement, remaining charges were dismissed.
On April 26, officers responded to a report of intimidation. According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers spoke with a male subject who stated that he got into an argument with a female neighbor. The male said he then got into an argument with Grothaus. The male advised that Grothaus went into his garage and came out with a small black handgun, pointing it at the male.
The male subject called the police at that time. Grothaus and the female went back into their residence, but the female reportedly came back out of the residence with a purse, which the male stated was concealing the handgun.
Officers went to Grothaus’ residence, but no one answered the door. Eventually, a second male subject opened the door and let officers into the residence. Grothaus was inside and reportedly stated he didn’t hear the officers knocking. Grothaus told officers that he and the male subject got into an argument.
Kosciusko County dispatch later received a call that a purse with a gun inside it had been found approximately a half mile from the residence. Officers located the purse containing a loaded handgun.
Grothaus was sentenced to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections for the charge of dealing in methamphetamine, with the last two years of the sentence to be suspended and served on formal probation. This sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to sentences imposed in the other cases. For the charge of pointing a firearm, Judge Michael Reed sentenced Grothaus to six months in the Kosciusko County Jail, with four days of jail time credit.
For the charge of possession of paraphernalia, Grothaus received a sentence of 60 days in the Kosciusko County Jail. For resisting law enforcement, Reed sentenced Grothaus to 200 days in the Kosciusko County Jail. Because Grothaus has already served 100 days since his arrest, and after the additional 100 days for good time – totaling 200 days, Reed advised he will show that Grothaus has served the sentence imposed for that charge.
Reed ordered Grothaus to participate in the Recovery While Incarcerated program, adding that he will consider a sentence modification at a later date if Grothaus remains conduct clear.
“Getting sober and staying sober is going to be the hardest thing you ever do,” Reed told Grothaus. “It’s also going to be the best thing you ever do.”